Solid Mobile Phone: Microsoft, Media Center Integrator Alliance Announce

Today at the Electronic House Expo in Orlando, Microsoft Corp., in
cooperation with co-sponsor Media Center Integrator Alliance,
announced the 2009 Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest. This
industry design contest, now in its third year, seeks to recognize the
residential integration business that best utilizes Windows Media
Center in a custom home installation project. With the support of the
newly formed Media Center Integrator Alliance (MCIA), a group
dedicated to driving awareness and adoption of Windows Media Center
technologies in the custom channel, the Windows Media Center Ultimate
Install Contest will represent the best of the best in the ecosystem.

Last year, the winner of the Windows Media Center Ultimate Install
Contest was a home installation designed and implemented by Los Gatos,
Calif.-based integration firm cyberManor. The system was created for a
family in Sunnyvale, Calif., that desired a centralized, user-friendly
entertainment and automation system. The result was a complete
integration solution with Windows Media Center at the helm.

"Once again, custom installers have the chance to demonstrate how a
connected home can be designed using the Windows Media Center
platform," said Kevin Collins, director of the Custom Installer
Channel in the Connected TV Business, Entertainment and Devices
Division, at Microsoft. "Microsoft and MCIA are excited to give custom
installers the opportunity to showcase their creativity, execution and
personalized solutions for their customers using all the products that
make up the Windows Media Center ecosystem."

Contest Eligibility

The goal of Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest is to
identify the best implementation of the Windows Media Center platform
as designed and installed in a residential electronics system:
A company may submit up to two unique entries to the contest.
Each entry form submitted must contain a description of the
solution, including its feature highlights, a list of integrated
components, a project material list, a minimum of five photos of the
project (maximum of 10) and an installation overview with highlights.
The installation must be completed before the close of the contest
entry period.

"We're looking for custom installers who integrate the Windows Media
Center platform to bring to life the vision of the connected digital
home," Collins said. "We have seen tremendous growth in the connected
home scenario with Windows Media Center at the hub extending beyond
high-definition TV, music and photos to include lighting, HVAC,
security and other home automation features."
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